Hydrochemistry and environmental isotopes of spring water and their relation to structure and lithology identified with remote sensing methods in Wadi Araba, Egypt

Abstract Springs located at the historical sites of Wadi Araba (Eastern Desert Egypt) and emerging from escarpments Northern Southern Galala Plateaus were investigated. A combination methods, including hydrochemistry, stable radioisotope composition, structural analyses based on satellite data, provided information about structure subsurface derived groundwater flow paths. Satellite images reveal karst features within northern plateau, e.g. conical landforms. Karstic caves documented along both escarpments. Chemical analysis floodwater indicates higher concentrations terrestrial salts compared to floodwaters central southern parts desert. ? 18 O 2 H signatures in spring waters resemble those fall global meteoric water line, confirming their fast infiltration with minor influence evaporation. The aquifer feeding springs Plateau has low retention dry out quickly, even after heavy rainfall. Contrastingly, 3 activities refer much slower passage. With respect content (3.8 TU) recent flood waters, contains 40% recently recharged groundwater. However, its largest spring—the St. Antony spring—discharges a radiocarbon age 15,000 years. In this spring’s constant high discharge over period several months, that estimate suggests large reservoir moderate retention.